Recently, the British news outlet Daily Mail has placed Ninh Binh on its list of magnificent ‘new wonders’ that are tranquil and not crowded.
With its towering limestone peaks, Ninh Binh is deemed by the Daily Mail as an impressive sight rivaling the famous but bustling Ha Long Bay.
Located just two hours south of Hanoi and bordered by rivers, farms, and temples, the best way to explore one of Vietnam’s ancient capitals is by bicycle or boat, drifting along the water.
Impressive scenery of Mua Cave, one of the prominent destinations of Ninh Binh. Photo: Mua cave tourist area
Daily Mail also suggests visiting here in October and November when the water levels are high, and the golden rice fields are ready for harvest.
There are now many tour operators offering extended 12-night cross-country tours, with two nights in Ninh Binh, including flights to Hanoi and return from Ho Chi Minh City, transportation, nearly all meals, and several excursions.
Other notable destinations making Daily Mail’s list include Indonesia’s Raja Ampat coral reefs, the Mayan ruins of Caracol, the world’s largest tropical wetland Pantanal, America’s Hot Rocks Park, ancient Tibet, the world’s oldest desert Namib, New Zealand’s Napier Art Deco architecture, Dominica’s hot springs, and Kimberley, the provincial capital of Northern Cape in South Africa.
The floating cultural center at Cua Van in Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) has temporarily ceased welcoming guests for maintenance and repairs.
Recently, the Ha Long Bay Management Board announced that they would temporarily halt guest visits to the Cua Van floating cultural center to conduct maintenance and repair work on several components there.
Cua Van floating cultural center will temporarily stop welcoming visitors from April 25
Starting from April 25, the Ha Long Bay Management Board will suspend guest visits to the Cua Van floating cultural center until the maintenance and repair work is completed.
Furthermore, activities such as visiting the Cua Van fishing village and experiencing tourist services like rowing boats and kayaking will still be available to serve tourists.
Cua Van floating cultural center is a favorite attraction for Western tourists when visiting Ha Long Bay
The Cua Van floating cultural center was established in 2006 with funding of around $400,000 from the Norwegian government. This project is part of 12 component projects of the Ha Long Bay Ecological Museum (the first ecological museum in Vietnam and Southeast Asia) funded by Norwegian development cooperation agencies. The Cua Van floating cultural center was built in the Cua Van fishing village, the largest fishing village in Ha Long Bay.
Some items are degraded and do not ensure safety for welcoming guests
The Cua Van floating cultural center covers an area of 330 square meters and showcases vivid images and artifacts that depict the material and spiritual life of fishermen in Ha Long Bay, past and present.
By 2017, the structure had undergone repairs and renovations; however, due to recent adverse weather conditions such as storms and heavy rain, some components have significantly deteriorated, posing safety risks for tourist visits.
On Thursday, Hanoi’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment convened a conference to strategize on air quality control and to urge collective action against the city’s deteriorating air conditions.
The department’s statistics indicate significant environmental strides: over 99% of charcoal stoves have been phased out, straw burning in outlying districts has been cut by 80%, numerous brick kilns have been dismantled, and daily waste collection and landfill disposal exceed 90%.
Hanoi is piloting a program to gauge motorcycle emissions, seeking impactful remedies for air contamination.
Nonetheless, air pollution persists as a critical concern in Hanoi, with monitoring stations reporting substandard air quality for more than a third of the year, translating to approximately 110 days of poor air conditions annually.
Concern about air quality can even be a lucrative business opportunity.
The city’s average PM2.5 levels—fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less—nearly double the national safety threshold. Such particulates, which also include larger PM10 particles, are linked to severe health issues like respiratory disorders, asthma, and cancer, posing heightened risks to vulnerable groups like children, expectant mothers, and the elderly.
Transportation remains the leading contributor to PM2.5 pollution, followed by industrial discharge, agricultural practices, and everyday human activities.
At the seminar, Nguyen Huong Hue of the French Development Agency highlighted their joint initiative with Hanoi to enhance air quality. Hue advocated for increased public transportation usage to curtail emissions.
Do Quang Huy of the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers emphasized VAMM’s dedication to developing greener motorcycles and recommended routine maintenance to mitigate emissions. VAMM has also initiated a project to evaluate older vehicles for emission control.
Earlier in March, Hanoi’s authorities approved an air quality management strategy, aiming to reduce air pollution and ensure air quality remains satisfactory for at least 75% of the year by 2030.
The Vietnamese Prime Minister has indeed approved a 5-day break for the upcoming holiday. This break will run from Saturday, April 27 through Wednesday, May 1, allowing public employees to enjoy an extended holiday.
The plan includes taking a day off on Monday, April 29, and making up for it by working on Saturday, May 4. This decision is expected to stimulate tourism and consumption as many people will adjust their work and travel plans accordingly.
For a travel plan during this 5-day holiday, here’s a suggested itinerary:
Day 1 (April 27): Start your holiday in Hanoi. Explore the city’s rich history and culture with visits to the Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 2 (April 28): Take a 2-day tour to Ha Long Bay. Visit the Surprise Cave and Titop Island, and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming. Stay overnight on a boat in the bay.
Day 3 (April 29): Continue to enjoy the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. Return to Hanoi in the evening and take the night train to Sa Pa.
Photos by Thẹ Prabster (Prabu)
Day 4 (April 30): Arrive in Sa Pa and spend the day exploring this beautiful mountainous region. Visit local markets, trek to nearby villages, and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
Day 5 (May 1): Spend the morning in Sa Pa, then head back to Hanoi to conclude your trip.
This itinerary focuses on Northern Vietnam and combines cultural exploration with natural wonders. It’s a great way to experience some of the best that Vietnam has to offer in a short time.
CNN recently shared a list of 35 top cakes worldwide, featuring Vietnamese tapioca dumplings, also known as bánh bột lọc. Alongside dishes like Chinese xiao long bao, Italian ravioli, and Brazilian Coxinha, bánh bột lọc proudly represents Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
Vietnam’s cuisine has a special place on the world stage, and bánh bột lọc is a prime example of this. It’s a beloved snack that originated in the city of Hue, showcasing Vietnamese culinary skills and cultural identity. These handcrafted dumplings are made with water chestnut flour, which gives them their translucent outer layer that reveals the shrimp and meat inside. Bánh bột lọc is not only visually appealing but also tasty, and it blends texture and flavor perfectly.
This delicacy is not only a culinary masterpiece but also represents the warmth of family gatherings and shared meals in Vietnamese culture. Whether it’s served as a humble snack or at festive celebrations, bánh bột lọc has become a symbol of Vietnamese hospitality and culinary innovation.
As the world continues to embrace new flavors and tastes, bánh bột lọc continues to captivate hearts and palates worldwide. This timeless delicacy invites everyone to savor the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine.
HashKey and the Foundation are focussing their partnership on Hong Kong in the first phase
The stewards of the TON ecosystem have formed a partnership with HashKey Group, the parent company of the Hong Kong-licensed crypto exchange of the same name.
One of the aims of the partnership is to increase provision for on- and off-ramping of crypto and fiat to Asia-Pacific users of the wallet service in messaging app Telegram.
The TON blockchain started life as an in-house project by Telegram in 2018 but was abandoned two years later following legal action from the SEC. Members of the community then formed the TON Foundation to continue its development, with Telegram’s endorsement.
HashKey and the Foundation are focussing their partnership on Hong Kong in the first phase but say they will expand to other APAC markets should their initial efforts prove a success, according to an emailed announcement on Friday.
TON’s native token, Toncoin climbed around 1.7% in the hour following the announcement, down nearly 4% in the last 24 hours. For comparison, the CoinDesk 20 Index (CD20), which shows a weighted measurement of the digital asset market, has declined around 1.3% in the same timeframe.
The Thursday total ETF flow was negative, with GBTC leading the pack
(BTC) is stable, trading above $70,900, as outflows from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) pick up once again.
Overall, $124.9 million flowed out of GBTC, according to on-chain data. In comparison, $4.6 million flowed into Fidelity’s FBTC, and $11.1 million went into Bitwise’s BITB.
Up to Thursday, all the bitcoin ETFs have reported a weekly outflow of $227.9 million.
There’s currently a belief within the market that continued outflows from GBTC put selling pressure on BTC and drive down prices.
However, that belief is not universal, and some market participants have a wait-and-see approach, highlighting that outflows are expected from GBTC, given its higher fee structure.
Traders are pricing in some price stability for bitcoin in the remaining weeks of April, with bettors on Polymarket putting the chance of BTC hitting $75,000 at 60% by month’s end and the chance of it hitting $80,000 at 32%.
Here are the Facts About Vietnam That You Most Probably Didn’t Know.
Vietnam reigns as the top global supplier of cashews and black pepper, making a substantial impact on the international spice trade.
Resembling an “S” shape, Vietnam boasts a sprawling coastline stretching over 3,260 kilometers, adorned with picturesque beaches and vibrant port cities.
The stunning Halong Bay is celebrated for its jade-green waters and forest-clad limestone pillars, earning it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Siteand a must-visit locale.
Utilizing the Latin alphabet, the Vietnamese language adopted Quốc ngữ in the 17th century, thanks to French missionaries, to foster widespread literacy.
As one of the world’s few socialist states, Vietnam unified its northern and southern regions in 1976, forming the Socialist Republic of Vietnam post-conflict.
The Mekong Delta is fondly dubbed Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl,” responsible for a hefty portion of the nation’s rice production.
Renowned for harmonizing five flavors—spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet—Vietnamese cuisine is epitomized by Pho, a beloved noodle soup now enjoying global acclaim.
The Ao Dai, Vietnam’s traditional attire, graces special events like weddings and Lunar New Year festivities, and is even a staple uniform in educational and professional settings.
Near Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a testament to the Viet Cong’s ingenuity during the Vietnam War, now transformed into a fascinating historical site.
Vietnam commemorates its liberation from French rule on September 2nd, a national holiday marking Ho Chi Minh’s 1945 declaration of independence.
The national flag features a golden star against a red backdrop, symbolizing the unity of farmers, workers, intellectuals, youth, and soldiers under Vietnam’s socialist ethos.
Hoi An, once a bustling trade hub, retains its 15th to 19th-century charm and is lauded by UNESCO for its exemplary preservation of a Southeast Asian trading port.
The colossal Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the planet’s largest cave, complete with its own weather system and room enough to house a skyscraper.
In Vietnam, motorbikes are the preferred mode of transportation, outnumbering cars and serving as the daily commute for countless residents.
Ranking second globally in coffee production, Vietnam is famed for its robust coffee culture, with ca phe sua da (iced coffee) being a local staple.
The mythic “Ascending Dragon” embodies the spirit of Vietnam, harking back to a tale of the nation’s dragon and fairy ancestry.
Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the pinnacle of cultural celebrations, ushering in spring according to the lunar calendar.
Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel, was inspired by Emperor Ly Thai Tong’s vision of a lotus, embodying purity and enlightenment.
Originating in the north, water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese performance art where puppeteers skillfully maneuver figures on a liquid stage, often to the accompaniment of an orchestra.
The love market in Sapa is a time-honored tradition where members of ethnic minorities congregate in hopes of finding companionship.
Named for the fragrant blossoms that drift into its currents, the Perfume River in Hue flows past imperial tombs and the historic Imperial City, enriching the region with its aromatic presence.
Vietnam, with its vibrant economy and strategic location in Southeast Asia, has become an attractive destination for foreign investors. If you’re considering starting a business in Vietnam, here’s a comprehensive guide by Global Business Services LLC (GBS), a legal and business consulting firm in Vietnam to help you navigate the process.
1. Choose the Right Business Structure
Before diving into the paperwork, it’s essential to select the appropriate business structure. Consult with legal experts and tax advisors to determine the best fit for your venture. Here are the main options:
a. 100% Foreign-Owned Company
In this model, you establish a company where you have full ownership. You can operate independently or collaborate with a Vietnamese partner.
Consider legal obligations, tax implications, and the ease of doing business.
b. Joint Venture Company
Collaborate with a Vietnamese partner to create a joint venture. This approach allows you to leverage local expertise and resources.
Draft a clear partnership agreement to define roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing.
c. Business Cooperation Contract
Form a business partnership based on a contract. This option is suitable for specific projects or short-term ventures.
Ensure that the contract covers all relevant aspects of your collaboration.
2. Restricted Business Activities
Vietnam restricts foreigners from engaging in certain business activities. Be aware of these limitations:
* Prohibited Activities:
Dealing with narcotic substances.
Handling toxic chemicals, precursors, and minerals.
Trading natural specimens of endangered, rare, and precious wild fauna and flora species.
Engaging in prostitution, human trafficking, or related businesses.
Operating firecracker-related businesses.
Debt collection.
* Conditional Business Investment:
The Law on Investment (2020) introduced “conditional business investment” sectors. While not restricted, these activities require meeting specific criteria.
Examples include accounting services, customs-related businesses, and insurance services.
3. Legal Procedures
a. Direct Foreign Investment
Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) for your investment project.
Follow local legal procedures for establishing your business entity.
Seek professional assistance to ensure compliance.
b. Indirect Foreign Investment
Purchase shares of existing Vietnamese companies.
The agreement determines your position in company management.
4. Additional Steps
a. Rent a Business Location
Secure office space for your operations.
Consider accessibility, cost, and proximity to potential clients.
b. Prepare Required Documentation
Gather necessary paperwork for registration.
Documents may include business plans, financial statements, and identification.
c. Register Your Business
Obtain an **Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)** for your company.
Comply with local regulations and pay any required fees.
d. Open Business Bank Accounts
Set up accounts for financial transactions.
Choose a reputable bank that caters to foreign investors.
e. Complete Post-Registration Requirements
Fulfill any remaining obligations after registration.
Stay informed about tax filings, reporting, and compliance.
Remember that legal advice and professional assistance are crucial throughout this process. Starting a business in Vietnam can be rewarding, but thorough preparation is key. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial journey in Vietnam!
There will probably be litigation against the SEC after May if ether ETFs aren’t approved, the report said.
Recent news that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating companies associated with the Ethereum Foundation is consistent with the view that there is no more than a 50% chance of spot ether (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF) approval in May, JPMorgan (JPM) said in a research report on Thursday.
The bank reiterated its view that approval of these products is unlikely next month, a position first expressed in January. The SEC must make final decisions on some of the ETF applications by May 23. The SEC approved spot bitcoin (BTC) ETFs in January, stirring speculation in some quarters that versions for ether, the token of the Ethereum blockchain, may follow suit.
“If there is no spot ether ETF approval in May, then we assume there is going to be litigation against the SEC after May,” analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou wrote.
JPMorgan said the most likely outcome is that the SEC will eventually lose this litigation, similar to what happened in the Grayscale and Ripple cases, and will eventually approve spot ether ETFs. But not in May.
One reason the SEC is likely to lose any litigation is because of the declining concentration in staking on Ethereum, raising the chance that ether will avoid being designated as a security, the report said.
The bank noted in a report last week that Lido’s share of staked ether has continued to fall, which should reduce concerns about concentration in the network.
Da Nang is the third destination in Vietnam to be evaluated by the Michelin Guide inspectors, following Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
4 restaurants received Michelin stars in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Michelin Guide.
Representatives of Michelin Guide in Vietnam have just announced that Da Nang is the next city to be added to the culinary destination list of this renowned guide. It is the third city in Vietnam to be rated by the Michelin Guide inspectors, following last year’s announcements of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
“The inclusion of Da Nang in the Michelin Guide family is evidence of the vibrancy and quality of Vietnamese cuisine, alongside its rich history and distinctive regional flavors,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of Michelin Guide.
According to the Michelin Guide representatives, Da Nang made a profound impression on their anonymous inspectors with its outstanding food quality and rich culinary heritage, including dishes like Quang-style noodles, fishcake vermicelli, and Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo).
The Michelin inspectors were delighted to sit by the roadside and savor the culinary “gems,” such as a bowl of duck congee.
Similar to previous destinations, restaurants and delicious dishes in Da Nang will be evaluated by Michelin Guide’s anonymous inspectors based on five globally consistent criteria, all focusing on the quality of the food.
These criteria include the quality of ingredients used, culinary technique, harmony of flavors, personality expressed through the dishes, consistency over time, and throughout the menu.
The list of Michelin Guide restaurants for this year will be announced at an event in June.
The presence of Michelin Guide in Vietnam since 2023 has been seen as a significant boost for the culinary and tourism market. Mr. Do Duy Thanh, Fnb Director, noted that thanks to the award’s effect, 2023 witnessed remarkable growth in the high-end restaurant business.
Michelin’s presence is said to be inspiring new investment models in 2024, learning, copying, and optimizing from the 2023 list. Furthermore, the trend in high-end restaurants will lean towards the gastronomy art model.
iPOS.vn’s 2023 culinary business market report also affirmed that Michelin brings positive factors to Vietnam’s culinary business market, enhancing product value and F&B brand.
In 2023, many high-end restaurants regretted losing their prestigious Michelin star due to a lack of understanding of the evaluation criteria and regulations. Therefore, this year will witness a strong transformation of these establishments, with improvements in food and service to regain a star.
Agoda has announced the ranking of affordable destinations, with Hue taking the lead.
On April 10, the online travel platform Agoda shared destinations with the lowest average room rates for April and May. According to this, the ancient capital of Hue is where travelers can enjoy the most competitive room rates in Vietnam. Specifically, Hue is an affordable destination with an average room rate of $43 (approximately 1,066,000 Vietnamese đong). Hue has surpassed Ninh Binh, which topped the rankings last year.
Ceremony held in the royal palace of the Nguyen Dynasty
This year, the Hue Festival 2024 is aligned with the Four Seasons Festival concept to organize a series of festival activities throughout the year to celebrate and promote the distinctive values of Hue and Vietnamese culture. The Summer Festival from April to June, themed “Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development,” is a highlight. Particularly, with restored heritage spaces, such as Kien Trung Palace, interacting with artistic programs, it is expected to bring new and exciting experiences to the public during the Hue Festival…
The list of the most affordable destinations in Asia according to Agoda is as follows: Udon Thani (Thailand), Surabaya (Indonesia), Hue (Vietnam), Kuching (Malaysia), Iloilo (Philippines), Bengaluru (India), Narita (Japan), and Taoyuan (Taiwan).
The average room rates for April and May are based on booking data on Agoda from March 1 to March 18:
Udon Thani, Thailand: Average room rate $28 (approximately 694,000 VND)
Surabaya, Indonesia: Average room rate $39 (approximately 967,000 VND)
Hue, Vietnam: Average room rate $43 (approximately 1,066,000 VND)
Kuching, Malaysia: Average room rate $49 (approximately 1,215,000 VND)
Iloilo, Philippines: Average room rate $50 (approximately 1,240,000 VND)
Bengaluru, India: Average room rate $55 (approximately 1,363,000 VND)
Narita, Japan: Average room rate $71 (approximately 1,760,000 VND)
Taoyuan, Taiwan: Average room rate $101 (approximately 2,504,000 VND)
Due to the soaring airfare prices, many people are now looking to purchase train tickets as a means of travel during the upcoming April 30th and May 1st holidays. However, many popular routes are nearly fully booked, and train ticket prices for the holidays have also slightly increased.
According to a representative from the Hanoi Railway Transport Company, short-haul routes like Hanoi to Thanh Hoa and Hanoi to Vinh still have available tickets, but passengers are advised to purchase train tickets within the next few days as the availability is limited.
Rising airfare prices make people tend to take holidays by train
For the Hanoi to Thanh Hoa route on April 30th, there are still some remaining seats, with sleeper berth tickets ranging from 220,000 to 286,000 Vietnamese dong per passenger.
However, many popular tourist routes with sleeper berths are almost sold out. Ms. Nguyen Hien from Ha Dong (Hanoi) was looking for tickets for her family holiday in Quang Binh on April 30th and luckily managed to find sleeper berth tickets for her entire family. The air-conditioned sleeper berth tickets are priced quite high, ranging from 728,000 to 892,000 dong per passenger on April 30th. The air-conditioned sleeper berth tickets with four berths are priced even higher, over 1 million dong per person.
In order to leave a bit earlier for a longer holiday, Ms. Hien mentioned that on the Vietnam Railways ticket sales website (dsvn.vn), trains departing from Hanoi to southern provinces on April 26th – 27th such as SE1, SE5, SE11, SE19, and QB1 are fully booked. Trains returning to Hanoi on April 30th – May 1st, such as SE20, SE2, SE6, SE12, and QB2, have almost sold out.
Similarly, high-demand trains for the April 30th holiday from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City are almost fully booked. On the ticket-selling website, fast trains like SE3 and SE4 have around 45 – 50 seats left per trip, mainly soft seats and a few sleeper berths.
Earlier, the Hanoi Railway Transport Company increased its capacity by 60,000 tickets, including both additional and regular trains. The Saigon Railway Transport Company also provided a similar number of tickets. Compared to last year’s April 30th holiday, there is a slight decrease in ticket availability, but tickets are selling faster. This is explained by the high airfare prices, causing passengers to opt for trains more frequently, leading to frequent sold-out trains.
Due to a 6% increase in fuel prices compared to the same period last year, companies have increased ticket prices by 2 – 6% for north-south trains like SE1, SE2, SE5, SE6, and SE19/20 on the Hanoi – Danang route.
The sleeper berth ticket prices from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with six berths range from 1.3 to nearly 1.7 million dong, and with four berths, they range from 1.5 million dong to a maximum of around 2.7 million dong each way.
The railway sector has increased the operation of a series of train services on many routes to meet passenger travel demands during the April 30th – May 1st holiday.
In addition to the regular train services on routes such as Hanoi – Saigon, Hanoi – Danang, Hue – Danang, Hanoi – Vinh, Hanoi – Lao Cai, and Hanoi – Haiphong, the Hanoi Railway Transport Company is organizing additional train services on various routes.
Specifically, the Hanoi – Dong Hoi (Quang Binh Province) route will operate additional QB1 trains on April 26th – 27th and QB2 trains on April 30th – May 1st. The Hanoi – Vinh (Nghe An Province) route will operate additional NA3 and NA7 trains on April 26th – 27th; NA4 and NA14 trains on April 30th – May 1st; SE35 and SE36 trains from April 25th to May 1st…
Agoda’s online travel platform reveals that tourists from South Korea are flocking to Vietnam’s beaches, known for their soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters.
South Korean tourists are falling in love with Vietnam’s beaches featuring soft, powdery sand and clear waters, as reported by Agoda’s online travel platform on April 2.
Destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc—with their stunning beaches, upscale resorts, and diverse tourist activities—are the most favored spots among South Korean travelers.
Korean actor Lee Jun Ki checks in at the beach in Hoi An. Photo: allkpop
A representative from Agoda’s online travel platform mentioned that international visitors find Vietnam’s beaches appealing due to their alignment with global travel trends.
From the ancient town of Hoi An to the tropical island of Phu Quoc and the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam offers a wealth of experiences for tourists.
Statistics from the General Statistics Office indicate that South Korea remains the largest source of foreign visitors to Vietnam in the first three months of this year, with over 1.2 million arrivals—a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2019, pre-Covid-19 pandemic.
As the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote bilateral tourism during the 2023-2024 period.
The reputable global airline ranking website AirlineRatings has recently announced a series of prestigious international awards, among which a Vietnamese airline has won the award for the best premium economy class of 2024.
The premium economy class is positioned between business class and economy class. Depending on the flight route, airlines may or may not offer this seating option. On airplanes, premium economy features seats with more space compared to economy class and several additional priority services. In 2024, Vietnam Airlines was recognized by AirlineRatings as having the most valuable premium economy class.
“In a competitive race, Vietnam Airlines clinched this award by consistently delivering a high-quality premium economy product, offering great value on long and medium-haul flights without excessively high prices. This is significant for travelers as they have the option for added comfort and priority without paying the premium price of services from airlines like Air New Zealand and Emirates. The airline also boasts a modern fleet with an average age of just 8.9 years,” commented AirlineRatings.
VNA
With Vietnam Airlines’ premium economy class, passengers benefit from priority check-in and baggage drop at the business class counter; priority boarding and baggage handling; spacious seating, comfortable recline, and ample legroom; and provided amenities like personal hygiene kits with slippers, eye masks, earplugs, toothpaste, moisturizing cosmetics, blankets, and pillows.
AirlineRatings also compared two similar airlines on identical flight routes with the same premium economy class: Vietnam Airlines’ Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco from October 16 to 23, 2024, and Air New Zealand’s Auckland to Vancouver, Canada, from October 15 to 22, 2024.
The Air New Zealand flight was priced at $2,968 USD, while Vietnam Airlines’ flight was $2,372 USD, a significant difference of $596 USD. Vietnam Airlines offered a much lower price, likely providing passengers with a greater sense of value.
AirlineRatings also awarded other airlines, such as Qatar Airways for the best business class seat and Singapore Airlines for the best first-class seat.
